By Avril Horan

A ONE-WAY system along Dominick Street Lower forms part of the recommendations in a major new report on Galway’s Westend, where public consultation showed “strong support for year-round pedestrianisation.”

The THRIVE Integrated Urban Strategy (IUS) calls for fewer cars and more pedestrianisation as key to reshaping the area.

One of the strongest proposals in the strategy is the introduction of a one-way traffic system on Dominick Street Lower, which would free up space for wider footpaths, improved accessibility, and more outdoor dining.

“By creating a one-way system for vehicles on Dominick Street Lower, footpaths can be widened and improved to allow for enhanced accessibility, outdoor dining, enhanced planting and greening,” the report states.

At a recent meeting of councillors on the Central Ward Area Committee, key proposals from the IUS were outlined ahead of its presentation to the full council.

Presenting the findings, Peter Staunton acknowledged the interest and complexity of the one-way proposal.

“There has been a lot of discussion about Dominick Street Lower,” he said.

“The plan to reroute to a one-way system cannot be done overnight and a lot of research must take place in advance. We received a huge amount of feedback from the public consultation process.

“Respondents were happy to see the public road open to more pedestrianisation and less traffic. It is a very busy route. We are conscious that, to even partially pedestrianise the area, will be difficult, and we haven’t gone into funding streams.”

The majority of those who took part in the consultation process highlighted the need to remove cars from the Westend.

“There is a strong desire to explore temporary or permanent pedestrianisation options for key streets like Dominick Street Upper and William Street West,” the report states.

Respondents also called for permanent car-free zones along Sea Road and Dominick Street, and for a new road hierarchy placing “pedestrians first, then cyclists, buses and lastly cars”.

The report seeks consideration of a one-way system on Dominick Street Upper to improve traffic flow and safety, along with creating a new pedestrian and cycle link on Father Burke Road, connecting Raven Terrace and Father Burke Park.

Cllr Eddie Hoare (FG) said it “shows potential” and asked whether it “aligns with the transport strategy to make the city centre pedestrian friendly”.

He noted that “high-level costings” would be needed before any recommendations could be implemented.

The strategy goes further in the case of the Small Crane, which is already used as a pedestrian zone during the summer months.

“The square is almost fully pedestrianised in the summer,” it says, “with chairs, tables and people occupying the space. It has become heavily dominated by car parking and through-traffic.

“A sensitive reworking should seek to reclaim the square for pedestrians, celebrate its heritage, and transform the Small Crane into a genuinely inclusive and characterful public space.

“It is recommended the Small Crane may be suitable to be pedestrianised due to the high volumes of footfall and low volume of vehicle movements.”

At a minimum, footpaths should be widened “to allow for two wheelchair users to pass one another” comfortably.

Any future pedestrianisation, it states, should involve “extensive engagement with local residents and schools to understand access and parking requirements.”

The meeting also heard that the Small Crane is currently “very confused, with car parking and street furniture.”

The report repeatedly warns that the wider Westend is struggling under the weight of traffic with little space for people walking.

Excessive speeding, narrow footpaths, and a general lack of safe crossings have created an environment where pedestrians and cyclists are routinely squeezed out.

Footpaths are described as narrow, uneven, or cluttered, with difficulty crossing at key junctions due to poor sightlines.

To relieve pressure on residential streets, the report recommends the introduction of parking permits to prevent visitors occupying limited resident spaces.

It is understood the full THRIVE report will be presented to elected representatives of Galway City Council next month.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.

Pictured: Dominick Street Lower: plan suggests one-way traffic. Image: Google Maps.